Vaassen Chiropractic & Acupuncture Clinic

Vaassen Chiropractic & Acupuncture Clinic Our Mission is to provide well-being to the families we serve by following the natural path to healing with uniquely individualized and professional care.

Our Mission at Vaassen Chiropractic & Acupuncture is to provide well-being to the families we serve by providing the most uniquely individualized and professional care available. We aim for our patients to follow the natural path to optimal health through the benefits of chiropractic, acupuncture, and nutrition. Dr. Amy Vaassen specializes in chiropractic, acupuncture, nutrition, low level laser, and EB cellular cleanse therapy.

03/09/2026

FACT of the Week:
Infrared cold laser therapy (photobiomodulation) reduces inflammation by emitting non-thermal light energy that penetrates skin to stimulate mitochondria, increasing ATP production for faster cellular repair. It boosts circulation and lymphatic drainage to remove inflammatory byproducts, while reducing pro-inflammatory markers and releasing endorphins to alleviate pain.
Key Mechanisms for Reducing Inflammation:
Increased Cellular Energy (ATP): Light stimulation increases ATP production in mitochondria, fueling cells to repair damaged tissues and reducing inflammation, note the Gulf Shore Physical Therapy and Laser Therapy Cleveland.
Improved Circulation & Lymphatic Flow: The therapy increases blood flow to the area, delivering oxygen for healing, while accelerating lymphatic drainage to clear away swelling and fluids.

03/02/2026

FACT of the Week:
Chiropractic care helps sinus problems by using spinal adjustments, specifically in the neck (cervical spine), to remove nerve interference and improve immune system function, which reduces inflammation. Additionally, practitioners use manual, targeted, or "facial bone" adjustments to open restricted sinus passages, promoting natural drainage and relieving pressure and congestion.
How Chiropractic Helps Sinus Issues:
Improved Drainage: Techniques like massaging and applying firm pressure to the maxillary and frontal sinus areas (sometimes called "face shaking") help break up congestion and facilitate mucus drainage.
Reduced Inflammation & Pressure:
Adjustments to the cervical spine (especially C1-C2) can decrease sinus inflammation and tension headaches
Nervous System Optimization: By restoring proper spinal alignment, chiropractic care improves nerve communication, allowing the body to better regulate its immune response to allergies or infections.

02/23/2026

FACT of the Week:
Acupuncture and dry needling both use thin needles for pain relief but differ in philosophy, technique, and goals: Acupuncture stems from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), targeting energy (Qi) meridians for holistic balance; dry needling, a Western-based physical therapy, targets specific muscle trigger points for localized relief and improved function. Acupuncture addresses broader health issues by balancing energy, while dry needling focuses on musculoskeletal problems like muscle pain, sports injuries, and stiffness.

02/16/2026

FACT of the Week:
Chiropractic care for a herniated disc aims to relieve pain and improve function using non-surgical methods like spinal manipulation, decompression (flexion-distraction), and targeted exercises, creating space for the disc to heal by reducing nerve pressure and restoring spinal mechanics. Techniques focus on gentle adjustments, stretching the spine with specialized tables, and often incorporate therapies like cold laser or massage, aiming for natural healing and better spinal movement.
Common Chiropractic Techniques for Herniated Discs:
Spinal Manipulation/Adjustments:
Precise movements to realign vertebrae, relieve nerve compression, and improve joint function.
Spinal Decompression (Flexion-Distraction):
Uses a special table to gently stretch the spine, creating negative pressure to help the disc retract and receive nutrients.
Pelvic Blocking:
Using cushioned wedges to create mechanical changes in the pelvis, often with specific exercises.
Therapeutic Exercises & Stretches:
To strengthen supporting muscles and improve posture.
Other Therapies:
May include cold laser therapy, electrical stimulation, or massage to reduce inflammation and pain.
How it Works:
Chiropractors don't literally "push the disc back in" but create better spinal mechanics and space for the disc to heal naturally.
The goal is to relieve pressure on compressed nerves, reducing pain, tingling, or weakness.
Treatment plans are personalized and focus on non-invasive, drug-free relief, often combined with lifestyle changes. *Provide antioxidant activity

02/09/2026

FACT of the Week:
Boswellia Complex from Standard Process/MediHerb Benefits are :
Boswellia Complex contains Boswellia, Celery Seed, Ginger and Turmeric to support healthy joint function.*
These herbs have been traditionally used in herbal preparations to:Maintain and support healthy joints
*Support Healthy Circulation
*Support the normal function of kidneys
*Provide antioxidant activity

02/03/2026

FACT of the Week:
Erchonia cold laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity, offering benefits like reduced pain, inflammation, and swelling, faster tissue repair, increased circulation, and improved nerve function, treating conditions from chronic pain and arthritis to post-surgical recovery and athletic injuries by boosting the body's natural healing processes without heat or side effects.
Key Benefits
Pain & Inflammation Relief: Reduces chronic and acute pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, and swelling.
Accelerated Healing: Stimulates cell growth, tissue repair (tendons, ligaments, muscles), and collagen production for faster recovery.
Improved Circulation: Increases blood flow and forms new capillaries, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to damaged areas.
Enhanced Nerve Function: Can help with neurological conditions, improving nerve function and reducing neuropathic pain.
Non-Invasive & Drug-Free: A painless, non-thermal, non-drug treatment with no known side effects, making it suitable for many patients.

Left to right.  Juli, Talia and Wanda.  Chiropractic Assistants at Vaassen Chiropractic & Acupuncture
01/27/2026

Left to right. Juli, Talia and Wanda. Chiropractic Assistants at Vaassen Chiropractic & Acupuncture

01/26/2026

FACT of the Week:
Acupuncture benefits anxiety by regulating the nervous system, reducing stress hormones (like cortisol), and increasing mood-boosting neurotransmitters (like serotonin), promoting relaxation and calmness. Studies show it effectively lowers symptoms of worry, tension, and irritability, with benefits comparable to or better than some conventional treatments, often with fewer side effects, making it a good complementary therapy alongside medication or talk therapy.
How it helps
Nervous System Regulation:
Balances the autonomic nervous system, shifting the body out of "fight-or-flight" mode and into a relaxed state, notes Health and Won Institute.
Hormonal Balance:
Reduces cortisol (stress hormone) and increases serotonin, improving mood, according to Amend Treatment and Won Institute.
Neurotransmitter Release:
Stimulates the release of endorphins, serotonin, and noradrenaline, enhancing feelings of well-being, say Lee Health and Amend Treatment.
Calms the Mind:
By addressing blocked energy (Qi) and balancing the body's systems, it promotes mental tranquility, explain Meridian HealthCare and Health.

01/19/2026

FACT of the Week:
Chiropractic care for a herniated disc uses spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction therapy, and other modalities to reduce pressure on nerves, realign vertebrae, and promote healing, often with manual therapy, exercises, heat/cold, and sometimes electrical stimulation. It aims to relieve pain, muscle spasms, and improve function, working best as part of a personalized plan with lifestyle changes, and can offer significant relief within weeks for many patients.
How It Works
Spinal Manipulation:
Gentle adjustments realign spinal bones, reducing pressure on the disc and nerves, potentially causing a popping sound from gas release.
Flexion-Distraction Therapy:
A specialized table gently stretches the spine, increasing space, improving blood flow, and helping the disc move back into place.
Myofascial Release:
Hands-on techniques to relieve tight connective tissues and muscle tension around the spine.
Therapeutic Exercises:
Tailored exercises to strengthen core muscles and improve spinal stability.
Other Therapies:
May include massage, heat/cold therapy, electrical stimulation, or laser therapy to reduce inflammation and pain.

01/12/2026

FACT of the Week:
Acupuncture benefits anxiety by promoting relaxation, balancing the nervous system, and boosting mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, helping reduce stress hormones (cortisol), and improving sleep, often with fewer side effects than meds, serving as a great complement to therapy. It works by stimulating specific points to release endorphins, calm the body's stress response (HPA axis), and improve overall energy flow (Qi).
Key Benefits for Anxiety
Reduces Stress & Promotes Calm:
Releases endorphins (natural painkillers) and calms the central nervous system, lowering cortisol levels.
Boosts Mood:
Increases serotonin and other neurotransmitters linked to happiness and well-being.
Improves Sleep:
Helps regulate sleep cycles, combating anxiety-induced insomnia.
Balances the Body:
Regulates the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion, bringing the body to a relaxed state.
Holistic & Complementary:
Offers a non-pharmacological option that can work well alongside traditional

01/05/2026

FACT of the Week:
Yes, chiropractors can effectively treat pinched nerves by using spinal adjustments, decompression, and muscle therapy to realign the spine, relieve pressure on compressed nerves, reduce inflammation, and restore proper function, offering a non-invasive way to address the root cause of pain.
How Chiropractic Care Helps
Spinal Adjustments:
Chiropractors use controlled force to correct spinal misalignments, directly relieving nerve compression and allowing nerves to function properly.
Decompression Therapy:
Gentle stretching of the spine can create space for discs, reducing pressure on pinched nerves, notes Brooklyn Spine Center.
Soft Tissue Therapy:
Techniques like myofascial release or trigger point therapy help relax tight muscles that might be contributing to nerve impingement.
Posture Correction:
They help identify and correct postural habits that cause chronic nerve issues.
Personalized Plans:
Treatment often includes exercises, stretches, and ergonomic advice to support long-term healing and prevent recurrence.

10/20/2025

FACT of the Week:
Chiropractic care can help alleviate sciatica pain by addressing the underlying cause of nerve compression. Here's how:
Spinal Adjustments: Chiropractors use spinal adjustments to correct misalignments in the spine that may be putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can reduce inflammation and improve nerve function.
Soft Tissue Manipulation: Chiropractors may perform soft tissue techniques, such as massage and stretching, to release muscle tension and spasms that can contribute to sciatica pain.
Traction: Spinal decompression or traction therapy can help to create space between the vertebrae, reducing pressure on the nerve.
Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can reduce inflammation and muscle spasms.
Exercise and Rehabilitation: Chiropractors may recommend specific exercises and stretches to strengthen the core muscles, improve posture, and reduce strain on the sciatic nerve.
Other Interventions: In some cases, chiropractors may use additional modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or acupuncture to enhance treatment outcomes.

Address

3338 Center Grove Drive, Ste 2
Dubuque, IA
52003

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5:30am
Wednesday 8am - 12pm
Thursday 8am - 5:30am
Friday 8am - 12pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Vaassen Chiropractic & Acupuncture Clinic posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category